Gay Men Going Deeper

They unpack the difference between friends-with-benefits and friends-with-intimacy, and why those labels matter. Conversation covers boundary skills like self-awareness, clear communication, and check-ins. They share stories about blurred lines, mismatched desires, and how relationships can shift and require grieving. Practical tips on creating agreements and honoring changing needs round out the discussion.

The first year after coming out can feel like an emotional rollercoaster—exciting, scary, and full of questions. How do you navigate this transformative time while finding your community, and embracing your authentic self? In this episode, we’re talking about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living out for the first time. We’ll discuss: What was your first year out like? What are some common struggles newly out gay men face, and how can they overcome them? How do you figure out who you authentically are after hiding for so long? What’s your advice for building a supportive LGBTQ+ community? Whether you’re newly out, supporting someone who is, or reflecting on your own journey, this episode offers practical tools, heartfelt insights, and encouragement for thriving in this pivotal year. Free download: The Gay Man's Survival Guide For Your First Year Out Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Reno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Dr. Frank Anderson, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and trauma expert, dives deep into the challenges faced by gay men during their formative years. He discusses how societal homophobia creates developmental trauma and leads to the formation of a false self. Through the lens of Internal Family Systems therapy, he explores coping mechanisms and the importance of authenticity in healing. Listeners learn about common trauma responses, the need for community support, and actionable steps for personal healing and self-acceptance.

Living in the closet is a unique experience that queer people must face. Yet each person’s journey is shaped by culture, family dynamics, and social pressures. For some, living in the closet is about safety and survival. For others, it’s the first step in a journey toward self-acceptance and authenticity. In this episode, we explore what it’s really like to live in the closet and the complex emotions that come with it. We discuss: What was was like for you living in the closet? What did it take for you to come out? What advice would you give to someone who is in the closet but afraid to come out? Whether you’re still in the closet, reflecting on your journey, or supporting someone else through theirs, this conversation offers empathy, wisdom, and practical guidance for navigating this deeply personal experience. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion about courage, culture, and living your truth—at your own pace. Free download: The Gay Man's Survival Guide For Your First Year Out Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Reno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Coming out to our families can be one of the most difficult experiences we navigate as queer folk. Sometimes it can be made even more difficult if the people we are opening up to are challenged by it, or don’t understand it. Other times, we may find ourselves in the company of people who do understand, or simply meet our openness with their own. Or, in this case, sometimes what we experience is a combination of both. This is a unique episode, because today our co-host Reno is sitting down with none other than HIS MOM to have a conversation about being different, growing up gay and queer, how she navigated his queerness as a parent, and how they both navigated his queerness as parent and child. Allison Johnston is a mother, grandmother, social worker, advocate, and sage. In this episode, we dive into… When she knew I was different. When she knew I was gay. What some of the signs were. Life growing up. Coming out. How she and my family and friends experienced my coming out. Whether she struggled with it or not, and who did. What some of my own struggles were. What it was like being the mother of a queer child. What wisdom we might offer family members relating to queerness. Today's Guest: Allison Johnston Instagram Today's Host: Reno Johnston Instagram LinkedIn Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Big things are on the horizon for the Gay Men’s Brotherhood in 2025, and we can’t wait to share them with you! In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on our vision for the future— including new opportunities and exciting changes you can expect in the year ahead including: Opportunities for local meetup groups  New virtual events  In-person retreats Leadership opportunities  We’ll also talk about the ways you can step into the mission, make an impact, and help us shape the future of GMB. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just tuning in now, this is your moment to be part of something bigger. Your voice, your participation, and your unique contributions are what make this community thrive in 2025- and beyond. Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Explore the complex world of hookup culture and its surprising role in self-discovery. The hosts discuss the pros and cons of casual sex, uncovering personal journeys of confidence and boundaries. They offer insightful questions for self-reflection and practical tips on aligning hookups with personal values. Understand how these experiences can reveal deeper needs and foster empowerment. Plus, discover essential safety measures for meeting new people. Dive into how to navigate this realm with intention and self-awareness.

Dr. Joshua Gonzalez, a board-certified urologist specialized in sexual medicine, dives deep into the often-taboo subjects surrounding penis health. He discusses the medical perspectives on circumcision and the implications of foreskin care. The conversation covers erectile dysfunction, revealing both physiological and psychological factors, and outlines treatment options like testosterone therapy and pelvic floor physical therapy. They also tackle premature ejaculation, masturbation myths, and the importance of body appreciation—encouraging listeners to love their bodies and seek help when needed.

On this week’s episode of Gay Men Going Deeper, we're diving into The Sexuality Spectrum. From fluid attractions and shifting needs to understanding social conditioning and embracing different sexual dynamics, we’re exploring the dynamic range of human sexuality and how it shows up uniquely for each of us. Some of the topics we’ll be discussing are:  Some of the aspects of the sexuality spectrum, including emotional needs, affection, and attraction How shame and social conditioning impact our sexual expression How we align (or don’t) with different parts of the spectrum based on environment, mood, or connection with others. How our sexual needs evolve over time  The role of emotional intimacy and vulnerability in sexual connection  This episode is filled with personal stories on how our own sexual preferences have changed over the years, and what it means to get those needs met. Tune in for a nuanced conversation on embracing the fluidity of our sexuality, breaking down labels, and finding what truly works for us. Related Link: Types of Sexuality Today's Hosts: Michael DiIorio Matt Landsiedel Reno Johnston Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.

Curious about whether therapy or coaching is the best fit for you? In this insightful episode, life coach Michael Diiorio and therapist Michael Pezzullo team up to break down the unique benefits of each approach, guiding you through the key differences, overlaps, and the powerful results each modality can help you achieve. Both Michaels bring their unique expertise in helping gay men navigate life’s challenges and find personal growth, and they’re here to answer the big question: What’s right for you? Join us as we explore: Therapy and coaching defined Core goals and methods of each How they’re similar (and different) Signs whether therapy or coaching is right for you How a combined approach can also work to accelerate growth Stories of clients who’ve benefited from both Whether you’re ready to tackle unresolved issues from the past or set inspiring new goals, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to choose your next step with confidence. Book a call with Michael Pezzullo (Therapist): Website Instagram Book a call with Michael Diiorio (Life Coach): Website Instagram Support the Show - viewer and listener support helps us to continue making episodes - CONNECT WITH US - Watch podcast episodes on YouTube Join the Gay Men's Brotherhood Facebook community Get on our email list to get access to our monthly Zoom calls Follow us on Instagram | TikTok Learn more about our community at GayMenGoingDeeper.com - LEARN WITH US - Building Better Relationships online course: Learn how to nurture more meaningful and authentic connections with yourself and others. Healing Your Shame online course: Begin the journey toward greater confidence and self-worth by learning how to recognize and deal with toxic shame. Gay Men Going Deeper Coaching Collection: Lifetime access to BOTH courses + 45 coaching videos and 2 workshop series. Take the Attachment Style Quiz to determine your attachment style and get a free report.